'Secure Maritime Routes, Protect Seafarers': PM Modi's Strong Message To G7 After Death Of 3 Indian Sailors

Published 16 June 2026 · india

'Secure Maritime Routes, Protect Seafarers': PM Modi's Strong Message To G7 After Death Of 3 Indian Sailors Published By, Last Updated: June 16, 2026, 23:21

'Secure Maritime Routes, Protect Seafarers': PM Modi's Strong Message To G7 After Death Of 3 Indian Sailors Published By, Last Updated: June 16, 2026, 23:21 IST PM Modi highlighted the growing risks to maritime trade and the human cost of instability in West Asia. Rapid Read Prime Minister Narendra Modi at G7 summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on all nations to ensure the security of global maritime routes and protect seafarers from conflict-related threats, days after three Indian sailors were killed in a US military strike on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman. Addressing an outreach session of the G7 Summit attended by leaders including US President Donald Trump, PM Modi highlighted the growing risks to maritime trade and the human cost of instability in West Asia. “It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of the seafarers who connect all nations through global maritime trade. We must ensure that maritime routes remain secure and that seafarers can perform their duties without fear," PM Modi said during the session titled “Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity." The Prime Minister noted that disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz- a critical artery for global energy and trade flows- have adversely affected the world economy and resulted in the loss of Indian lives.

His remarks came after the deaths of three Indian crew members aboard the tanker Settebello, which was struck off the Omani coast last week. According to US Central Command, American forces targeted three vessels- Marivex on June 8, Settebello on June 9 and Jalveer on June 11- alleging they were attempting to breach a US blockade of Iranian ports. PM Modi’s intervention also came a day before his scheduled bilateral talks with President Trump on the sidelines of the summit. “We welcome the progress made in peace efforts in West Asia. This conflict has caused loss of life and property in our friendly countries in the region," PM Modi said, while expressing hope for stability in the strategically important region. Moving beyond maritime security, PM Modi stressed that trust has become the world’s most valuable strategic asset amid increasing global interdependence. “Today’s world is more interconnected and interdependent than ever before. A nation’s energy, food, health, and cyber security, as well as its economic prosperity, are not determined solely within its own borders," he said.

Arguing that successful partnerships depend on confidence and reliability, PM Modi said countries must trust that technology and supply chains will be used for the global good rather than as instruments of coercion. “The trust that technology and supply chains will be used for the global good, rather than as weapons. The trust that development opportunities will not be limited to just a few countries. The trust that global institutions will be capable of fulfilling the aspirations of all nations," he said. The Prime Minister also advocated a stronger role for developing nations, saying countries of the Global South seek genuine partnerships rather than traditional aid relationships. “Today, the Global South has high expectations of the global community. However, what they seek is not merely support, but partnership. They aspire to be partners in global development, not just beneficiaries," PM Modi said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Delhi, India, India First Published: June 16, 2026, 23:19 IST News india 'Secure Maritime Routes, Protect Seafarers': PM Modi's Strong Message To G7 After Death Of 3 Indian Sailors Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s.